The much-anticipated third band from Jack White hit the stage last night at New York’s Bowery Ballroom for its first publicly ticketed show. A young crowd waited in the rain until 7:30, before the venue started to let them in.
As long as the line was to get in, there was an even bigger crowd who came to seek tickets for the show, which had sold out online in mere seconds. Set times posted on the door said “Crystal Stilts 9:00 p.m., The Dead Weather 10:00 p.m.”
The Brooklyn-based Crystal Stilts hit the stage to a packed Bowery Ballroom. Everyone huddled as close to the stage as possible, trying to gain the best vantage point possible. Crystal Stilts did an admirable job opening. The lead singer has an otherworldly bass voice that booms. The skittering music was upbeat and animated in direct contrast to the reserved lead singer. At times, it felt like they were a band whose sound was better suited for the studio. As the set came to a close, the room was abuzz with anticipation.
As 10:00 approached, the Bowery Ballroom was full. The second-level was sectioned off for guests, including Nick Zinner from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. A little after 10 p.m. and the band was up on stage and a memorable night was set to unfold.
There were no first time jitters with this band. Their first public performance sounded as good as any seasoned band would sound live. Beautiful matching white Gretsch Falcon guitars and a bass adorned the stage. Alison Mosshart grabbed the mic and everyone in the room at the same time.
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Photos by Charles Poladian. More at Consequence of Sound.
The band was tight and Jack White for the most part stayed in the background. He did a great job manning the drums and provided a very steady performance to compliment Jack Lawrence. Dean Fertita was amazing on guitar, providing some slick riffs and he could play down and dirty when required. The Dead Weather are a perfect vehicle to showcase his talent and he was as great leading the sound as when he complimented it.
As much as the crowds anticipation had focused on seeing Jack White, the spotlight was on Mosshart. She slinked around the stage, curled up in a ball on the floor, smoked, and was a rock star on that stage. She demanded your attention and her voice was powerful. She growled, raved, and belted out some great tunes.
This band did not disappoint in any way and the set was great, mixing tempos and building up to a smoldering end. The band sounded like it was second-nature. As good as Jack White was on drums, as soon as he left his kit and strapped on the guitar, the crowd roared with cheers and the flash of cameras greeted every signature riff. Mosshart and White shared a single mic and they sang a duet (about getting caught) to close out the set.
They played a two song encore, starting off with “Hang You From The Heavens.” The last song was a cover of Bob Dylan’s “New Pony.”
The Dead Weather exemplified what you might expect it to sound like–blues inspired rock–but the band and their talent put them above that simple classification. The band seemed to have a great time onstage, sharing glances and working together beautifully. This is the merely start of The Dead Weather. Horehound comes out in June, and if tonight was any indication, it won’t disappoint. The Dead Weather are not just a Jack White side project, they are a band with something to prove, determined to cause a stir.
Brad Hargett of opening act Crystal Stilts.
